More information, Upgrading router software – Allied Telesis AR700 SERIES Software Release 2.7.1 User Manual
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Software Release 2.7.1
C613-02047-00 REV A
More information
For more information about loading files onto and uploading files from the
router, including using LDAP to load PKI certificate information, see the
Operation chapter in the Software Reference.
Upgrading Router Software
When you first start the router, it automatically loads the software release from
FLASH memory into RAM, where the CPU uses it to run all the router’s
software features. The router may also load a patch file to improve the main
release. The software release and any patch files are current when the router is
produced at the factory.
When Allied Telesyn makes a new patch or release available, you may want to
upgrade the software on your router to use a new patch or release file. You can
download the latest software patches, full software releases, and CLI help files
from the website at:
Make sure you download a
patch or release file that matches your router model. A patch or release file for
an AR725 or AR745 router has 52 as the first two digits of the filename. A patch
or release file for an AR750S has 55 as the first two digits of the filename. Patch
files have the file extension
.paz
and release files have the file extension
.rez
.
For example, the Software Release 2.6.1 for the AR745 has the filename
52-
261.rez.
Release and patch files are compressed ASCII files, and consist of a header
followed by a sequence of Motorola S-records containing the actual code for
the release or patch. The header has a standard format, which provides
information about the release or patch to the router.
Do not change the header in a release or patch file. At best, this will cause the
file load or install to fail, at worst the router could be put into a state where it
will not boot correctly until field service action is taken.
The current release and patch file are set as the preferred install. The router also
has a very limited version of the software stored in permanent memory
(EPROM). You cannot delete this version as it is the default, or boot install.
When you load a new software release or patch, you can set it to run once, the
next time the router reboots. This temporary install allows you to test run a
new release or patch once, before you make it the preferred install. If the
temporary install fails the router will automatically run the preferred install if
there is one, or otherwise the default install, the next time the router reboots.
When the router reboots, it checks the install information in a strict order:
•
Firstly, the router checks the temporary install. If a temporary install is
specified, the router loads it into RAM and runs it. At the same time, it
deletes the temporary install information so it will not load a second
time. This information is deleted even if the temporary install triggers a
fatal condition causing the router to reboot immediately.
•
Secondly, if no temporary install is defined, or the install information is
invalid, the router checks the preferred install. If present, this install is
loaded. The router never deletes the preferred install information.